Recycling smarter and leaner
Under 'Waste Less, Recycle More' the EPA has funded a new app to help the community with recycling. Businesses are also making strides increasing their recycling through Bin Trim.
The Recycle Mate app on your smartphone helps you to know what and how to recycle
In launching the new Recycle Mate app for smartphones and tablets in November alongside the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR), Environment Minister Matt Kean said the app would make it easier to recycle every day, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
“NSW has been recycling for more than 30 years, but with a changing landscape we need to be even more careful with what goes in our recycling bins and this app will help us achieve that,” Mr Kean said.
ACOR CEO Pete Shmigel said the app identifies which suburb you’re in and provides tailored information to each council’s recycling collection system.
“It’s like having a huge recycling guidebook in your pocket – it’s the most comprehensive recycling app of its kind,” Mr Shmigel said.
The app was developed with a $350,000 grant through the EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative. It currently has a wide range of items registered and its database grows each time it is used.
The app is free to download and is available for Apple and Android devices.
Bin Trim grants help businesses to manage their recycling
Trimming business waste-lines
A total of $4.9 million in grant funding was announced in December 2019 under the latest round of the popular Bin Trim program to help NSW businesses cut waste and increase recycling.
DPIE Executive Director Sanjay Sridher said reducing waste sent to landfill has environmental and economic benefits for everyone.
“Reducing waste costs may help businesses save money,” Mr Sridher said.
“NSW businesses send more than 1.8 million tonnes of waste to landfill each year. From cardboard, paper and plastic through to food waste. Much of this ends up in the general waste bin, when in fact more than 70% could be re-used or recycled.
“The Bin Trim program has already helped over 29,000 businesses and diverted waste from landfill that amounts to more than the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge!
“Businesses taking part in the program, such as the Escarpment Group (which runs four hotels in the Blue Mountains), are helping the environment, with 94% of Bin Trim participants implementing actions to reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill.”
Participating businesses are also eligible for the Bin Trim rebate of up to $50,000 to cover up to 50% of the cost of recycling equipment.
Waste and recycling service providers, equipment providers, consultants, councils and not-for-profit organisations can all apply for the grants, which range from $50,000 to $300,000.
More information on the Bin Trim program and Round 4 grant application forms.